A FAMILY was grieving the death of their daughter when they discovered her uncle-in-law was the perpetrator.
Johnathan Quiles was convicted guilty of sexual assault and first-degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Iyana Sawyer.
Who is Johnathan Quiles?
Johnathan Quiles is a convicted murderer who worked at Ace Pick-A-Part in Jacksonville, Florida.
Quiles was charged with the murder of Iyana Sawyer and her unborn child on July 18, 2019.
He had already been in prison since January of that year for a separate case unrelated to Sawyer’s death.
When his case proceeded to trial, he pleaded not guilty after his defense team repeatedly asked for an acquittal.
Quiles’ defense claimed there was no evidence linking the criminal to the crime site.
They went on to say that because the victim’s body had not been found, she could still be alive.
How was Quiles related to Iyana Sawyer?
Quiles was Sawyer’s uncle through his ex-wife Naomi Mobley’s marriage.
Mobley is the victim’s aunt; Quiles suspected both she and Sawyer of being pregnant at the same time.Sawyer went missing on December 19, 2018, and was last seen leaving Terry Parker High School.
She was never seen again, and despite the fact that a homicide inquiry was launched, her remains have yet to be found.
“Prior to that, he was fidgety, nervous…restless,” Mobley testified, recalling her ex-husband’s demeanor around her niece’s abduction.
“After she went missing, he slept like a baby. I’m aware of this because I was very pregnant, and I was up every hour on the hour to go to the bathroom as he slept like a baby.”
What was Quiles’ trial verdict?
On September 21, 2023, Quiles was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of sexual assault.
Regarding his sentencing, the prosecution is seeking the death penalty.
“Today, a nearly 5-year nightmare ends with another measure of justice,” said the Sawyer family’s attorney John Phillips.
“We thank the jury, law enforcement and judge, as well as all of our friends and family who reached out when we needed it most.
“Johnathan Quiles has now been found guilty of murder and will go back before a jury to determine his fate on earth, but he chose to end Iyana’s young life.
“He was a predator and the jury saw that with ease. We are grateful. Please keep our family in your prayers.”
